Typhoon Yagi Devastates Northern Vietnam, Leaving 24 Dead and Hundreds Injured

Typhoon Yagi has unleashed its fury on northern Vietnam, resulting in at least 24 fatalities and injuring 299 individuals, according to government reports. The storm, which made landfall over the weekend, has been characterized as the most powerful typhoon to strike the region this year, prompting urgent warnings from authorities regarding the potential for further flooding and landslides.

The typhoon struck the northeastern coastline of Vietnam on Saturday, wreaking havoc particularly in the provinces of Quang Ninh and Haiphong. It caused widespread disruption to electricity and communication services, affecting millions across the region. The National Centre for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting has reported rainfall totals ranging from 208mm to 433mm (8.2 to 17.1 inches) in various areas over a 24-hour period, raising alarms about the ongoing risk of flooding.

Among the tragic casualties was a family of four who lost their lives when a landslide triggered by heavy rainfall collapsed onto their home in Hoa Binh province. The storm's impact has been felt across the region, with additional fatalities reported due to falling trees and individuals swept away by strong currents.

In a particularly devastating incident, a landslide in the Hoang Lien Son mountain range claimed the lives of six people, including a newborn and a one-year-old child. Local officials confirmed the recovery of the bodies, attributing the landslide to the saturated soil conditions caused by the torrential rains.

The destruction has extended to the famed Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage site, where fishermen surveyed the aftermath of the storm. Reports indicate that 30 fishing boats sank in the coastal Quang Ninh province due to the relentless winds and waves.

The typhoon has also inflicted significant damage on infrastructure, with nearly 3,300 homes destroyed and over 120,000 hectares of agricultural land impacted. Before reaching Vietnam, Typhoon Yagi had already caused destruction in the Philippines and southern China, claiming at least 24 lives and injuring many others.

Meteorological experts warn that the increasing intensity and frequency of storms like Yagi are linked to climate change, which allows warmer ocean waters to fuel these powerful typhoons. As the region grapples with the aftermath of this disaster, the focus shifts to recovery efforts and the long-term implications of climate-related weather patterns.